NMSA, Feds grab early lead

Northern Marianas Sports Association’s Elias Rangamar is hounded by Department of Public Safety defenders during the first game in the IT&E-DYS inter-government caging last Wednesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Jon Perez)

NMSA’s Preston Basa and Ronnel Gamboa turned the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium into their own virtual playground in leading their respective teams to their second win for a share of the early lead. Basa fired eight three-pointers to finish with a game-high 36 points in NMSA’s 74-58 thrashing of the Department of Public Safety in the opener, while Gamboa scattered 24 markers as Feds escaped with a 61-58 win over Customs.

The former Saipan Southern High School standout had a slow start before exploding for 13 in the second quarter, as NMSA enjoyed a 40-33 halftime spread. Basa’s back-to-back three-pointers in NMSA’s 8-0 spurt midway in the second period turned the momentum to their side after trailing for most part of the opening quarter. He then finished with 16 markers bridging the third and fourth periods to help secure NMSA’s second win in as many matches.

No other NMSA player finished in double digits, but Benjamin Jones and Chech Sablan, who buried 3 three-pointers, combined for 18 points.

Marvin Rabauliman paced DPS’ losing cause with his 14 markers, while Rudy Sablan added 11.

Feds, in the second game, joined NMSA on top of the eight-team field after dealing Customs its first loss in two games.

Gamboa also had a slow start before pouring 17 of his team-high 24 points in the second half where the Feds weathered every Customs comeback try. Ken McCain, John Ogarto, Juan Camacho, Leo Apelo. Joe Esteves, Garth Backe and Hae Jun Park combined for 37 points to help the Feds foiled Custom’s repeated rallies.

Leo Galarse led Customs with his 21 points, while Dave Camacho and Don Brennan added 14 and 11 markers, respectively.

Meanwhile, league action continues on Monday night with DPS hoping to bounce back from the loss when it takes on the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs in the 8pm second game.

Judiciary and Commonwealth Health Center will also try to recover from their opening game setbacks when they clash in the first match at 6:30pm.

First Game
NMSA 74—Basa 36, Jones 9, Sablan 9, Rangamar 5, Babauta 4, Pharmin 4, Tudela 4, Winkfield 3.

DPS 58—Rabauliman 14, R. Sablan 11, J. Pua 8, J. Sablan 6, Santos 5, George 4, S. Pua 4, Joab 2, Kaipat 2, Norris 2.

Scoring by quarters: 16-19, 40-33, 60-46, 74-58.

Second Game
Feds 61—Gamboa 24, McCain 9, Ogarto 9, Camacho 7, Apello 5, Esteves 3, Backet 2, Park 2.

Customs 58—Galarse 21, Camacho 14, Brennan 11, Cepeda 3, Pangelinan 3, Maratita 2, Reyes 2, Saralu 2.

Scoring by quarters: 13-10, 28-20, 45-37, 61-58. (Jon Perez)